Beginner Basics for Splatoon 3: Choosing the right weapons

Greetings, and thank you for stopping by! In this article, we’ll be highlighting how to choose weapons in the Splatoon™ 3 game for the Nintendo Switch™ system. We hope this information can help both beginners and those who want to try out new weapons, or want to delve deeper into Splatoon 3. For those new to Splatoon, please refer to the official Splatoon 3 website for an explanation of the basic mechanics.

There are many people, especially beginners, who have trouble getting used to the motion controls. If this is you, start by gently tilting the controller with your wrist, but don't move it too much. Or you could try playing on a cushion on your lap for better stability.

You can adjust Motion-Control Sensitivity in the in-game Options menu. If you're bothered by any screen shake, try lowering the sensitivity.

What are weapons?

In Splatoon 3, players use weapons to coat the stage in ink. Different weapon types have different abilities, so it’s important to choose one that matches your play style.

Each set consists of three weapons: a main weapon, sub weapon and a special weapon.

You'll primarily use your main weapon in battle. There are 11 weapon types in total, and each one has a different way of dispersing ink.

The main weapon is what the Inklings and Octolings will usually be holding.

For example, some are rapid-fire...

…while others spread ink over a large area. Variety is the name of the game!

Sub weapons are there to complement the main weapon, while special weapons are like your ace in the hole, and can massively shift a battle's outcome. Each main weapon comes in a kit with set sub and special weapon.

Sub weapons can deal damage or support allies.

Special weapons can get you out of a pinch and turn the tide of battle.

While sub and special weapons both play valuable roles in battles, the most important thing is your main weapon, as it is what you will be using most frequently. Here, we will introduce the types and characteristics of the main weapons.

Types and characteristics of main weapons

There are 11 types of main weapons. Each weapon type has its own attack method and capabilities. Understanding each weapon type is key to finding which one works for you best.

Shooters - Rapidly fires ink. Basic and easy to use.

Dualies - Dual wielded rapid-fire weapons. Allows you to use a speedy Dodge Roll.

Chargers - Hold down the button to charge ink and snipe opponents from a distance.

Blasters - Shoots a massive blast of ink. Good for launching a surprise ambush on your opponents.

Rollers - Roll to spread ink while on the go. Can be swung vertically to fling ink out at a distance, or can be swung horizontally to coat a wide area in front of you with ink.

Brushes - Can coat the ground in ink while moving at high speeds. Swing it around to fling ink out in front of you.

Sloshers - Hurls a huge mass of ink in an arc. Good for attacking opponents up high.

Splatlings - Charges up ink and rapidly fires it like a gatling gun.

Brellas - Open the Brella to protect yourself from opponents’ ink.

Stringers - Shoots out multiple ink bullets at once in an arc like a bow.

Splatanas - Can be swung to unleash slashes of ink. You can either do a quick horizontal slash or a charged slash to send ink flying further out.

Choosing the right weapon for your play style

Here, we’ll introduce a few weapons based on play styles in Splatoon 3.

Unlock weapons by exchanging Sheldon Licenses at the weapons shop. Sheldon Licenses can be obtained by increasing your level from playing each game mode, or using a weapon a lot to increase Freshness. The more you play, the more weapons you can obtain.

You can test a weapon out before exchanging a Sheldon License for one. Go ahead and try any weapon that catches your eye!

At the weapons shop Ammo Knights, the owner Sheldon has plenty of weapons in stock.

You can freely test your weapons on Squid dummies at the test range.

Fighting on the frontline at close range

For those who want to fight on the frontline and experience the thrill of intense shootouts, we recommend these weapons.

Splattershot

The Splattershot is a Shooter-type weapon. It’s a well-balanced weapon, good at both inking the stage and splatting your opponents.

It excels not only in shootouts, but also at supporting nearby allies, and even during retreats if needed. The sub weapon, Suction Bomb, is great at suppressing your opponents. The special weapon, Trizooka, has excellent destructive powers, making this set one of the easiest to use for close-range combat.

Blaster

The Blaster is a Blaster-type weapon. Despite its low fire rate, the Blaster has an excellent balance of damage and mobility.

The sub weapon, Autobomb, can find opponents hiding in ink. The special weapon, Big Bubbler, is great for blocking opponents’ attacks. This set is one of the most versatile for Blasters.

Splatana Wiper

The Splatana Wiper is a Splatana-type weapon. The main weapon's charged slash and horizontal slash are quick and easy to use. It’s also good for dodging opponents’ attacks and closing in on them. The horizontal slash is great at suppressing your opponents, being particularly effective against short-range attackers by approaching them with a series of slashes.

The sub weapon, Torpedo, is good at locating and suppressing your opponents. The special weapon, Ultra Stamp, if used well enough, can dominate the frontline.

The Ultra Stamp provides some protection against frontal attacks while active. It's a special weapon great for breaking into the opponents' territory.

Supporting the team by inking

For those who want to ink the stage and expand your turf to help your allies and yourself, we recommend these weapons.

Splattershot Jr.

The Splattershot Jr. is a Shooter-type weapon that all players start with. It has short range and high shot spread, making it difficult to splat opponents with, but it's perfect for inking the stage. The Splattershot Jr. and the Custom Splattershot Jr. have larger Ink-Tanks in the game, allowing them to use loads of ink before needing to refill. This makes it easy to charge Points for Special.

The sub weapon, Splat Bomb, is good at suppressing opponents and protecting allies. The special weapon, Big Bubbler, can be used to defend the frontline.

Flingza Roller

The Flingza Roller is a Roller-type weapon. It has a quick horizontal swing and a slow but long-range vertical swing.

For example, you can support your allies and start by inking from a safe spot with a vertical swing, then fire the special weapon, Tenta Missiles, to disrupt the opposing team's formation. You can then use the sub weapon, Ink Mine, as a trap, or use the horizontal swing to join the battle. It's simple but effective.

Tenta Missiles can suppress opponents by simultaneously locating and attacking them.

REEF-LUX 450

The REEF-LUX 450 is a Stringer-type weapon. It's a lightweight amongst its weapon class, giving it high mobility. While its range is short, its high fire rate allows it to efficiently ink the stage. It also has the useful Charge Storage, which allows you to briefly hold a charge while submerged.

The special weapon, Tenta Missiles, can be used similarly to how you would use it with the Flingza Roller. Furthermore, the sub weapon, Curling Bomb, can be used flexibly, for suppressing opponents and making quick movements.

Splatting opponents with ambushes

Wait and hide in the ink, then get them when they least expect it! For those who want to ambush their opponents and disrupt their formation, we recommend these weapons.

Splat Roller

The Splat Roller is the most basic Roller-type weapon. While its range is on the shorter side, both its vertical and horizontal swings are quick and can insta-splat opponents, making them excellent for ambushes.

The sub weapon, Curling Bomb, creates a path of ink, which can be useful for quickly getting around.

The special weapon, Big Bubbler, grants you temporary protection, making it a great match for Splat Roller with low mobility.

If you want a Roller with higher mobility, we recommend the Carbon Roller. It's lighter and inks the stage more quickly than the Splat Roller.

Dapple Dualies

The Dapple Dualies are a Dualie-type weapon. They have very short range, but make up for it with high damage and mobility. They excel at hit-and-run tactics, such as sliding into and attacking opponents within range, then sliding back out to retreat after splatting them.

The sub weapon, Squid Beakon, allows you to move around the stage in an instant via a Super Jump to wherever the Squid Beakon has been placed. It can help your allies quickly reach the frontline or allow you to make a quick escape. Use the special weapon, Tacticooler, to further increase your team's mobility and keep up pressure on the opponents.

Octobrush

The Octobrush is a Brush-type weapon. While its range is short, it splashes a load of ink when swung, making it easy to hit close-range targets. The ink also blocks the vision of any opponents, making it harder for them to hit you. This makes the Octobrush an excellent weapon in close quarters. You can also quickly spread ink across the stage and move to optimal ambush points. Run around the stage and cause massive mayhem!

For when you've been spotted by your opponents, the sub weapon, Suction Bomb, can be used to suppress them. Additionally, the special weapon, Zipcaster, allows you to immediately approach opponents wielding long-range weapons. This set excels at allowing you to adjust your movements to meet the demands of almost any situation.

Adapting to various situations with versatility

For those who want to help ink the stage, push the frontline forward, support your allies in a pinch, or just basically adapt to any kind of situation like these, we recommend these weapons.

Splash-o-matic

The Splash-o-matic is a Shooter-type weapon. It has a slightly shorter range than the Splattershot but has a higher inking density and speed, and the shots don't spread when jumping.

While focusing on inking the stage, use the special weapon Crab Tank to attack opponents in high or distant areas. Meanwhile, the sub weapon Burst Bomb is good for splatting opponents at close range, making this a set that excels at versatility. As the shots don't spread, the more you practice, the better you'll get at hitting your opponents, making it easy to feel your skills improving.

Use the Crab Tank to hit the back of walls your opponents may be hiding at or where they're clumped together to splat them all at once.

N-ZAP '85

The N-ZAP '85 is a Shooter-type weapon. Utilize its high mobility to expand your team's turf.

The N-ZAP '85 has strong support capabilities. Ink the stage before using your special weapon Tacticooler to power up your entire team. The sub weapon Suction Bomb allows you to suppress your opponents and backup your allies. In addition, Tacticooler also massively increases your mobility, allowing you to become the core of the frontline.

Tacticoolers contain drinks that boost your abilities.

Try to place Tacticoolers in places your allies can easily reach.

Slosher

The Slosher is the most basic Slosher-type weapon. Among the Slosher weapons, it's particularly adept at hitting opponents in high places or behind obstacles. It excels on vertical stages and stages with lots of obstacles.

It's not as good at inking the stage as the Splash-o-matic or the N-ZAP '85, but the sub weapon, Splat Bomb, and special weapon, Triple Inkstrike, are good at suppressing and attacking your opponents. As both allow you to move your opponent's position, use them to chase your opponent into high places or into obstacles, and finish them off with your main weapon.

Fighting from afar at a good safe distance

For those who want to overwhelm their opponents from far away, we recommend these weapons.

E-liter 4K

The E-liter 4K is a Charger-type weapon. It has one of the longest ranges of any main weapon in Splatoon 3.

While you will need to practice aiming it, once mastered, you will be able to take out your opponents in one shot from afar, giving your team a massive advantage. Use the special weapon, Wave Breaker, to track your opponent and splat them with a powerful shot.

Meanwhile, its poor fire rate makes it bad at close combat. The sub weapon, Ink Mine, can help counter this. Place it in areas that players often pass through to detect when any opponents are close by and prevent them from approaching you.

Opponents caught by Wave Breakers and Ink Mines will be marked, allowing you to see their location for a period of time. They’re especially effective when placed in locations your opponents can’t easily see or attack.

Hydra Splatling

The Hydra Splatling is a Splatling-type weapon. It has the longest range of any Splatling and splats opponents with incredible speed, overpowering anything within range.

Able to be fired for a long time before needing to recharge, the Hydra Splatling can easily attack and suppress any opponents when in just the right spot, but it takes a long time to charge. Use the sub weapon, Autobomb, to get a read on the location of any opponents and utilize obstacles to protect yourself from their fire. The more you understand each stage, the better you’ll be able to utilize this weapon. Use the special weapon, the Booyah Bomb, if an opponent is closing in on you. It temporarily increases your durability when activated, so use this to brush off attacks and turn the tables on them.

Skilled players are versatile with the Booyah Bomb, such as using it to ink from a distance.

Tri-Stringer

The Tri-Stringer is a Stringer-type weapon. Charging increases its range—its maximum being one of the longest in the game. Its most notable feature is that the charged ink explodes soon after landing. Shoot in front of opponents to stop them in their tracks. You can even shoot it in a curve to put pressure on opponents in high places or behind obstacles.

Both the sub weapon, Toxic Mist, and the special weapon, Killer Wail 5.1, are good for limiting the movements of your opponents. Use these to lure them into your line of sight and take them down with your main weapon.

You can even use the Killer Wail 5.1 to locate your opponent and aim towards them.

Protecting allies on the frontline

For those who want to protect their allies and distract their opponents, we recommend these weapons.

Splat Brella

The Splat Brella is the most basic Brella-type weapon. It offers a great balance between opening and closing speeds, and has good durability to boot.

In addition to fighting on the frontline, the sub weapon, Sprinkler, can help ink nearby areas, and the special weapon, Triple Inkstrike, can stop your opponents in their tracks. This set has fantastic support abilities. Additionally, if you hold down the ZR Button when the Brella is active, it will detach itself and launch forwards.

You'll need to practice many things, such as when to open the Brella, when to close and start attacking, and when to launch. However, if you can get all this down, you can enjoy playing mind games with your opponents.

Tenta Brella

The Tenta Brella is also a Brella-type weapon. It has a bigger and more durable Brella than the Splat Brella, making it great at defense. Because of its slow opening speed, it’s better to either launch it from a bit behind the frontline, hide behind the Brella while advancing, or use the Brella as a decoy.

The sub weapon, Squid Beakon, allows you to make a quick escape if needed. The special weapon, Ink Vac, launches an attack that gets stronger the more ink it sucks up, protecting both yourself and surrounding allies. The set is extremely well suited for defense.

If you'd prefer a more offense oriented set, there is a version called the Tenta Sorella Brella. It has the sub weapon Ink Mine and the special weapon Trizooka. Try them out to see which one you prefer!

Shooting a Trizooka from behind a launched Tenta Sorella Brella is just one of the many powerful strategies you can utilize.

.96 Gal Deco

The .96 Gal Deco is a Shooter and variant of the .96 Gal. The main weapon has great range and power, and can easily force your opponents to retreat. The sub weapon, Splash Wall, can block attacks and is great when in a shootout, making it a good decoy to distract opponents on the frontline.

It's difficult to utilize this weapon if an opponent gets too close. In which case, the special weapon, Kraken Royale can help turn the tables. You can aim at nearby opponents in your invincible state, or move around to draw attention away from allies. Do whatever best meets the needs of the current situation.

Running around the stage and drawing attention

For those who want to utilize high mobility and serve as both a decoy and an attacker, we recommend these weapons.

Sploosh-o-matic

The Sploosh-o-matic is a Shooter-type weapon. It has very limited range, but also has the best mobility of any shooter. It's also great for inking and securing the area around you.

The sub weapon, Curling Bomb, can be used to create a path of ink. You can use this to travel across the stage, and get the drop on your opponents from behind. You can use this high mobility to keep your opponent from guessing your next move, then use your special weapon, Ultra Stamp, once it's ready to turn the tables on them.

Inkbrush

The Inkbrush is a Brush-type weapon. It's the Brush with the fastest movement speed, and good for running around the stage. You can run around and ink the stage to draw the opponents’ focus onto yourself, creating opportunities for your allies to act.

The sub weapon, Splat Bomb, can be thrown as backup. The special weapon, Killer Wail 5.1, can be used to pressure opponents that are far away. This allows for strategies only possible with the Inkbrush.

Dark Tetra Dualies

The Dark Tetra Dualies are a Dualies-type weapon. They enable you to Dodge Roll up to four times, even while firing. These Dualies don’t just allow you to fight in a way that can disorient opponents, but they also allow you to immediately switch to your next target after a successful splat, or even to temporarily beat a retreat and keep your opponents from guessing your next move.

While you can draw in opponents and fight on the frontline, for when it's difficult to get out in front, you can use your sub weapon, Autobomb, to suppress them. If in a pinch, you can use your special weapon, Reefslider, to aim for either a quick retreat or a counterattack, enabling you to employ a range of strategies.

How to utilize your sub and special weapons

Sub weapons

There are 14 types of sub weapons. Understanding the characteristics of each one and their strategies with the main weapons allow you to deal with all sorts of situations. If you like going up front then the Splat Bomb or Splash Wall are a good fit, but if you're cautious and want to know where your opponents are, then the Point Sensor, Torpedo, and Autobomb are what you’re looking for. Instead, if you want to focus on inking the stage, then the Suction Bomb or Sprinkler are good choices. By utilizing the characteristics of each of these weapons, you’ll be able to access a plethora of strategies.

The Point Sensor throws a sensor which marks opponents who enter the area, and lets you know exactly where they are.

Sub weapon techniques

The Splat Bomb and Torpedo explode a few moments after touching the floor or walls. Throw them at an opponent’s feet for a quick blast of damage. This is a useful technique for frontline shootouts or to suppress an opponent on the fly.

The Burst Bomb, Angle Shooter, and Sprinkler immediately ink the surface they touch, so they can be used to paint the area when surrounded by opponents’ ink, or paint the wall and allow you to quickly climb it. This technique is especially useful for sets that use a Dynamo Roller or a S-BLAST '91.

Try throwing a Burst Bomb at the wall to quickly climb it.

Curling Bombs and Fizzy Bombs also leave a trail of ink in their wake, creating pathways in addition to dealing damage. For short-range weapons like the Splat Roller or Sploosh-o-matic, this is a useful technique for closing distance between you and the opponent, and can also be used as a way to retreat from them. Consider using these techniques for sets with these sub weapons.

Special weapons

The 19 special weapons have very different characteristics, but can all greatly sway the tide of battle. For example, if you want to defeat opponents who are up high or far away, then the Trizooka or Crab Tank will do the trick. If you want to disrupt an opponents’ formation, then the Triple Inkstrike or Ink Storm are great options. If you want to support your allies, then the Tacticooler or Big Bubbler will get the job done. Special weapons all have different strengths and characteristics.

Each special weapon has the ability to turn the tide of battle, so learning how to use them can allow you to splat multiple opponents, protect your allies while pushing forward or turn a battle on its head when in a pinch. Always keep in mind what the special weapon in your set excels at.

Special weapon techniques

All special weapons will also max out your ink when you use them. You can ink your surroundings with your main weapon or suppress your opponents with a sub weapon before activating your special weapon to efficiently use your ink.

You can also use your special weapon and follow up with a sub weapon. For example, some sub and special weapons have great synergy. You can make your opponent retreat with a Splat Bomb, then use a Triple Inkstrike on their destination. Or you can use a Splash Wall to stop your opponent from progressing, then safely activate a Kraken Royale.

Try to find a good way to use your weapons together.

Final thoughts

In this article, we’ve learned how to choose weapons in Splatoon 3, with a focus on main weapons.

If you can identify your preferred play style and find a weapon that feels good to use for you, things will really get fun. Find the right weapon, and play Splatoon 3 your own way.

Next time, we'll be going over gear, which have a notable impact on weapons. We look forward to seeing you in the next article!